Ball State celebrates 82nd Homecoming

Students, alumni and staff are gearing up for Ball State's 82nd Homecoming! The theme is "Red, White + U," and all faculty, students, staff and alumni are encouraged to get involved.

"Whether it's attending one homecoming event, or all the homecoming events, we hope everyone will show their Cardinal spirit in whatever way they can," said Michelle Johnson, Homecoming Steering Committee advisor.

Homecoming events kick off at 5 p.m. Sept. 22 with a dinner at Elliott, Noyer and LaFollette residence halls followed by an inflatable obstacle course, tug-of-war and dodgeball tournament in Irving Gym at 7 p.m. The first day of events will end with a bonfire at 9 p.m. on LaFollette field.

Some of Ball State's finest talent will be competing Sept. 23 at 7:30 p.m. in Emens Auditorium for Talent Search. Winners from specific categories will be awarded a $500 scholarship. The categories are dance, female vocals, male vocals, instrumental, musical group, freestyle and original arrangement. The overall winner will receive an additional $500 scholarship.

"We have a new event this year taking place after Music on McKinley, called Touch the Tower," said Alexandra Garritano, general chair for homecoming 2008. "Teams of two will link arms and complete specific tasks while keeping one hand on Shaffer Tower."

Music on McKinley begins at 6 p.m. Sept. 24. The night will end with a firework show at 8:30 p.m. on LaFollette field. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, chairs and friends to enjoy the show, sponsored by the Student Government Association.

At 9 p.m. Sept. 25, Emens Auditorium will be the site for student royalty coronations and Air Jam, homecoming's annual lip-sync competition. According to Johnson, anyone interested in attending is encouraged to buy tickets in advance because this show is known to sell out. Tickets will be sold at the Emens Box Office through the day of the show. Tickets cost $5 before the show and $8 at the door.

The homecoming parade will begin at 8:30 a.m. Sept. 27 and follow a revamped route starting at Muncie Central High School and proceeding through downtown Muncie, the Village and making its last stretch down McKinley. The parade is expected to be another great success with more than 100 entries from student organizations and the Muncie community, Garritano said.

The game is also expected to draw quite a crowd as the Cardinals battle Kent State at noon Sept. 27 at Scheumann Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ESPN Regional, making it the second football game this season to be aired on the ESPN network.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for ages 2-18. Purchase yours through the ticket office at www.ballstatesports.com or call 765-285-1474.

The Homecoming Steering Committee, which consists of selected student volunteers, planned the celebration under the leadership of the Alumni Association. For a complete list of homecoming events, visit www.bsu.edu/alumni/homecoming. For more information, contact the Homecoming office at 765-285-7051 or homecoming@bsu.edu.